The 803 area code is frequently used for fake legal threats and Social Security imposters. These callers pretend to be government agents or lawyers to scare you into paying a fake debt.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 803 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof South Carolina (Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 803 scams based on user comments:
Residents in South Carolina are receiving aggressive calls with fake legal threats. Scammers pose as attorneys or law enforcement, claiming a "formal complaint" or "civil lawsuit" has been filed against you, sometimes referencing a bail bond revocation for $22,000 or threatening that a bounty hunter is coming who might kill you. They create panic to get you to pay for a non-existent debt or legal issue.
Real process servers and law enforcement officers do not call ahead to warn you about being served or arrested; they simply show up. These calls are designed to scare you into making a quick, emotional decision.
"Called claimed to be a law office threaten me about a bail bond told me a bounty hunter was looking for me and If was to resist that the bounty hunter would kill me"
This scam involves a robocall or live caller claiming your Social Security Number has been suspended due to fraudulent or illegal activity. They will threaten you with arrest by a "federal agent" from the FBI if you don't comply and provide personal information or payment. In other versions, they pretend to be from the SS Disability office to phish for your information.
The Social Security Administration does not suspend SSNs and primarily communicates through U.S. mail. They will never call you to demand immediate payment or threaten you with arrest.
"Caller told me that the FBI was looking for me because of scams associated with my social security number I told him if he could find me so could the FBI he wanted further information... he said if I hung up I would be in big big trouble hang up anyway"
You'll get a call, often a robocall, stating that your vehicle's factory warranty is expired or about to expire. These callers often know the make and model of your car, making the call seem legitimate. They use high-pressure tactics to sell you an overpriced and often useless extended service plan.
These calls are from third-party telemarketers, not your car's manufacturer. Your warranty status is not something they can verify, and the "urgency" is a manufactured sales tactic.
"Got a call from this number about my vehicle warranty. You can give them a made up name & they'll still say they pulled up the file. Has to be a big time scam."
Scammers call claiming you've been approved for a loan, often for $2,000 or $10,000, from a company like "Advance America." The catch is that before you can receive the loan, you must first pay a fee for "insurance" or processing. They specifically demand this fee be paid using an iTunes gift card or a similar wire transfer.
Legitimate lenders will never ask you to pay an advance fee with a gift card. Fees are typically deducted from the loan amount itself. The demand for a gift card payment is a guaranteed sign of a scam.
"If they say you are approve for $2000 and advising you to get iTunes gift card. They are liars!! I hope you reading this they are under investigation with law enforcement!!!"
You receive a text message pretending to be from a well-known company like Netflix, USPS, UPS, Walmart, or a bank like Regions. The message will claim there's a problem with your account, a failed payment, or a package delivery issue. It always includes a suspicious link for you to click to "resolve" the issue.
These companies do not send account alerts with suspicious links from random phone numbers. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, personal information, or credit card details.
"Text from # saying 'this is Jane of USPS, we tried to deliver your package today but it is sent back to us. Please contact us here ASAP fz15o.com/e9uXlKhYml'"
This scam involves a robocall claiming a subscription for a service like Microsoft Windows or Norton Antivirus is renewing. The message warns that a large sum, such as $299 or even $599, will be automatically deducted from your bank account unless you call them back immediately to cancel.
Legitimate companies manage subscriptions online and send renewal notices via email, not through threatening robocalls. The goal is to scare you into calling back, where they will then attempt to gain remote access to your computer or steal your financial information.
"An answering machine message from 'Security Support Team' will automatically renew my subscription {to what??} unless I call 803-302-8672 and cancel. A CHARGE OF 299.000 WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DEDUCTED FROM MY ACCOUNT IF I DONT CALL THIS NUMBER GIVEN."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 803 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in South Carolina, United States. Area code 803 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
Most common 803 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near South Carolina, or have a 803 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other South Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: